The #1 New York Times–bestselling story about American Olympic triumph in Nazi Germany and now the inspiration for the PBS documentary “The Boys of ‘36’.”For readers of Unbroken, out of the depths of the Depression comes an irresistible story about beating the odds and finding hope in the most desperate of times—the improbable, intimate account of how nine working-class boys from the American … working-class boys from the American West showed the world at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin what true grit really meant.
It was an unlikely quest from the start. With a team composed of the sons of loggers, shipyard workers, and farmers, the University of Washington’s eight-oar crew team was never expected to defeat the elite teams of the East Coast and Great Britain, yet they did, going on to shock the world by defeating the German team rowing for Adolf Hitler. The emotional heart of the tale lies with Joe Rantz, a teenager without family or prospects, who rows not only to regain his shattered self-regard but also to find a real place for himself in the world. Drawing on the boys’ own journals and vivid memories of a once-in-a-lifetime shared dream, Brown has created an unforgettable portrait of an era, a celebration of a remarkable achievement, and a chronicle of one extraordinary young man’s personal quest.
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What an amazing true life story about a young man who rises above a very difficult childhood and struggles to survive the Great Depression and complete college while competing to be on a select crew team. This story although sad at times shows us the importance of determination, camaraderie while covering historical events of the 1930s.
Wonderfully written and exciting account of the 1936 Berlin Olympics and the US crew team.
I had never heard heard of these boys or their race in the Olympics in Hitler’s Germany about the time I was born. These young men were outstanding young men, who worked hard and defeated those who thought they were somehow better than some unknowns who were not part of the rich elite in the Ivy League but from Washington State. Hooray for the …
this story is about a group of young men and the journey towards Olympic Gold in the 1936 Olympics held in Germany
the story tells the background of each man and how they learned and earned trust in each other – the interactions and individual strengths that knitted the group to work as one, The Boat. Great story telling.
One of the better books I have ever read. The book included history, political impact of pre-war Germany & the effort put forth by the USA rowing team to win the Olympic Gold medal!
Great book about team building!
While it is called BOYS IN THE BOAT, the book is really about the one rower that the author met. That was disappointing. The story was interesting, although the writing was ho-hum.
Great story !
One of the best books I’ve ever read. Compelling and inspiring.
Great book, even for people that usually stay away from non-fiction (like me). Couldn’t put it down!
A wonderful true story of overcoming adversity and being persistent. Hooray for these boys (young men)!
As a former rower, I have read a number of narratives about rowing. This is one of the best, if not the best, I have come across. It captures perfectly the experience of rowing, the exhilaration of finely tuned teamwork and the intensity of effort required to win at the sport.
This is one of my favorite books for so many reasons.
It was fascinating to read about life in the rugged west, and see it through the eyes of man yearning for an education. The personal struggles of Joe Rantz brought to life the hard times of Americans during the 1930s and the emotional family connections people strive for in every era. This …
Great story about teamwork and determnation…. super story and true !
Someone in my book club recommended that we read this book and I was thinking that it would be such a bore since I have no interest in crew or rowing. Wow, was I wrong! It was historical, nonfiction and a whopper of a great story about the sport and the team! I couldn’t put it down.
Difficult to get into at first, but stick with it.
Incredible true story. A young group of men dedicated to team rowing overcoming personal, collegiate competition, and international competitions. Hard to put down. My wifeand I really enjoyed their journey to the Olympics!
Great writing about the lives of athletes who participated in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. A remarkable and wonderful story. Highly recommended.
Great history of Olympic s
Knowing nothing about the sport of rowing, this is not a book I would have picked up. My book club selected it to read and I was captivated by all the hard practice and the terrible conditions under which the boys practiced.